Conscious sedation uses a medication to help you feel more relaxed during your treatment. This form of sedation requires the patient to be conscious (awake) during the procedure. If conscious sedation is determined to be inappropriate for the type or amount of dental work, or if it fails, our dentist may recommend general anesthesia. We have an anesthesiologist who is available to provide general anesthesia when needed to ensure that your experience with us is comfortable and safe. It is safe to receive either type of sedation, and with modern, short-acting anesthetics, patients are just as awake and alert following general anesthesia as they are after conscious sedation.
General anesthesia is a deep from of sedation in which the patient is unconscious. Because the patient will not see, hear, or feel anything during this time, general anesthesia offers both pain relief and amnesia (so you won’t remember the details of your procedure). General anesthesia is performed by our anesthesiologist using intravenous and/or inhalation agents to ensure that the patient is completely asleep. Dr. James Hardy may suggest general anesthesia for very young children, very resistant children, severe dental phobics, or special needs patients who are unable to cooperate for dental treatment.
Oral medication is a pill taken by mouth to help you feel more at ease during your treatment. This form of sedation is safe, convenient, and economical. Before coming to our office for your treatment, you will take a prescribed oral sedative, which will put you into a comfortable, relaxed state. You will remain awake throughout your appointment, but you will feel very drowsy. Your treatment will be over before you know it and you won’t remember most of the details of your procedure. During your free initial consultation at our office, our dentist will review your medical history to determine whether oral medication is the right choice for your needs.
Nitrous oxide is a light, safe form of sedation that is both non-allergenic and non-irritating. A type of inhalation sedation, the gas tends to reduce gag reflexes and saliva flow as well. Nitrous oxide can help you feel completely relaxed during your procedure. The gas is administered through a small mask placed over your nose. The nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen for a safe, comfortable treatment. Once the treatment is over and the flow of nitrous oxide is stopped, you will feel back to normal within just 3-5 minutes.
